Introduction
The Chariot arrives at the scene with a gust of wind, the conqueror on it majestic and triumphant. “I am not completely victorious yet,” he says. “There is still that next country over the border, until the world is our kingdom.” What a fitting next step for the adventurer on the journey – after he has just learned about love through the Lovers, he will now learn about all the lessons of conquest, struggle, war and victory!
Stories
What historical names do you think of when you think of conquerors? The stories of how they achieved their successes weren’t easy – they had to work to get what they wanted, and they did so despite the obstacles they faced. What challenges have you faced in your own life despite not being assured success, despite the journey being difficult, despite that you didn’t know if it would be worth it in the end? No matter what the outcome, if you have experienced this, then you know the true essence of this card.
War is a controversial topic, especially these days, since it seems that we have been having too much war lately and there seems to be no point to it. If we take it to the level of our personal experiences, though, would you agree that sometimes there are arguments that needed to happen, and eventually good things came out of it?
Additionally, the Chariot is not just about war – it’s about struggle, and protecting yourself as you go about to conquer what is outside of you. It may be a troublesome, difficult process, but also remember that these concepts can also be attributed to a butterfly coming out of its cocoon. As it emerges, the wounds it gets from extricating itself from its cocoon make the wonderful colors on its wings when it finally takes flight – if we helped them, they will turn out dull and ugly. This is why though it is difficult to accept, sometimes we need tribulation to make us better than ourselves. What’s a great story without something to challenge the protagonists?
Finally, love and war go hand in hand. In the previous card on the Lovers, we have talked in some detail about how sometimes struggling with each other leads to refinement and improvement. This is the same with the Chariot, so you can say that these two cards are two sides of the same coin: in hate, you may find love; in war, you may find peace.
General Meanings
This card is about triumph over adversity, overcoming life’s obstacles, decisiveness and ambition in achieving your goals, and well-deserved victory. It may indicate a period of struggle, ending in worldly success. It’s about self-control, effort, perseverance, and working within the boundaries or limits in one’s life and building up a successful existence regardless.
Imagery
The Chariot is apparently drawn by fantastic beings that look like sphinxes instead of the usual horses. It’s basically a depiction of the struggles of life, taken up a notch though not really – because what is happening in small things is also happening in larger things. A student going through college, a patient fighting cancer, a nation fighting for their freedom – they are all represented by the Chariot.
Some depictions of the Chariot depict only the armor but not necessarily the person beneath – implying that possibly there is no person beneath the armor. This reminds us that though we may put on a strong face on the outside, it doesn’t mean that we have to forget who we really are inside.
Interpretations in Various Areas of Life
Work
Are you only starting an endeavor, or does there seem to be no end in sight? The Chariot tells you to power on, because only through much hard work will you pass this difficult time.
Love
Is the relationship going through a difficult spot right now? The Chariot tells you to press on. Maybe someone isn’t saying their true feelings. Maybe someone hasn’t even tried yet. In either case, it’s good to take the leap and do that thing. Seize the day!
Finances
Sometimes money grows without our barely lifting a finger, and sometimes it needs constant care and attention. This is one of those latter cases. There’s little use asking if this will go well if the cards are already telling you that you need to push forward, so the best thing you can do is get down to work and make sure it does!
Health
Maybe someone is coming from a point of weakness and needs to be determined enough to stand up. Get up and fight the obstacles! You are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul.
Spirituality
This may denote spiritual journeys. If you are surrounded by naysayers who don’t understand your brand of faith and spirituality, maybe it’s time to head for new territory and experiences – as long as you stand up for what you are and what you want. In the end, the most capable arbiter for deciding what is best for you is yourself – and it’s time you stepped up and took that responsibility.
